Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Harriet Beamer Takes the Bus by Joyce Magnin Book Review

Summary Aging and widowed Harriet Beamer insists she’s getting along fine with her dog Humphrey in Philadelphia … until she falls for the fourth time, injuring her ankle and causing her son and daughter-in-law to cry foul.

Insisting Harriet move in with them in California, they make a bet that her ankle is broken and she foolishly promises to move if they’re right. Four X-rays later, Harriet’s ankle – and her heart – are broken. She packs up, ships her huge salt-and-pepper-shaker collection to California, and prepares to move away from the only life she knows.

The catch? She’s doing it her way. Just wait until her daughter-in-law hears Harriet will travel cross-country only by public transportation and alternate means. What follows is a hilarious, heartwarming journey by train, metro bus, taxi, and motorcycle. Along the way, Harriet discovers that although her family thinks it’s time for her to be put out to pasture, God has a different plan. You can read Harriet's [http://harrietbeamer.blogspot.com/] blog on her journey.




Harriet Beamer Takes the BusHarriet Beamer Takes the Bus by Joyce Magnin
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a perfectly delightful read!  I absolutely love Harriet Beamer, and I would love to grow up to be like her some day.  She is the absolutely ideal senior citizen who has decided her life is still not over.  She knows that even in her golden years, God is not finished with her yet.



I was absolutely enthralled with Harriet's journey.  And just when I did not think the mode of travel could get any zanier, it did!  No spoilers here.  If you want to know of Harriet's travel, you must read it.




I was enchanted with the way in which Harriet, Henry, and Prudence evolved over the course of the book.  I did not think Prudence had any gumption, but by the end of the book, I was glad to see her spunk.  And Henry and Humphrey truly bonded to the point that Humphrey became Henry's muse.  I would love to have a dog like Humphrey!




I most appreciated the way in which God was woven into the fabric of the story.  It was good to see Harriet's faith being so apparent in her every day dealings with each person she met.  She never tried to force her beliefs on anyone.  They were just a part of who she was.




In conclusion, I now want to go on a trip like this.  I wish I were a retired lady with lots of money and no real responsibilities.  I would go in a heartbeat.




I was provided with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  I was not financially compensated, and all opinions are 100 percent mine.



View all my reviews




About the Author:Joyce Magnin is the author of five novels, including the popular and quirky Bright’s Pond series and the middle grade novel “Carrying Mason.” She is a writing instructor and frequent conference speaker. Joyce lives in Pennsylvania with her son, Adam, and their crazy cat, Mango, who likes to eat nachos.


Check her out here and here.


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